Be a Seed Steward

Seed is not just a farm and garden input, but a natural resource that demands careful stewardship. Seed is also a living resource: saved and replanted for thousands of years to provide the foundation of food crops we depend on today. We are responsible for ensuring this essential resource remains diverse and resilient for future generations.

This is the inspiration behind Organic Seed Alliance’s (OSA) work. I am writing to ask you to join us in advancing the ethical development and stewardship of seed through your tax-deductible donation.

As farmer Julie Puhich of Common Ground Farm says, “OSA is a convener, partner, and leader in creating the alternative system that small farmers need as the seed industry consolidates: a regionally based seed system by us and for us.”

OSA’s work responds to the needs of organic farmers. We’re advancing systems where seed is grown, managed, and sold by and for the organic community. We lead the nation in training farmers and other seed professionals in skills necessary to safeguard biological diversity, expand choice in the organic seed marketplace, and protect seed integrity and the rights of farmers. Our work is especially critical in the face of troubling trends in the seed industry, including concentrated market power and limited choice for organic farmers.

As we plan our 6th Organic Seed Growers Conference slated for January 19 – 21, 2011 – Strengthening Community Seed Systems – we are reminded of how thankful we are for the growing organic seed community. And we cannot help but reflect on all the reasons to celebrate: successes in organic plant breeding, growth in the organic seed sector, and more organic farmers participating in the conservation of our seed heritage.

Ensuring an organic food future begins with protecting and expanding the fundamental resource of seed. We cannot accomplish this important work without the support of community members like you. Please contribute with a tax-deductible donation today. Or consider giving on behalf of someone you care for this holiday season. Visit www.seedalliance.org to learn more.